Top Estate Planning And Probate Attorney Martin Fogarty Reveals Actual Cost Of Probate – Glenview, IL

Leading Estate Planning And Probate Lawyer Martin J Fogarty founder of The Heartland Law Firm, in Glenview, IL warns that dying without a will can lead to costly probate fees and legal complications. For more information please visit https://www.heartlandlawfirm.com

Glenview, Illinois, United States, February 3, 2025 — Dying without making a will could be a costly mistake, Martin Fogarty, one of Glenview, Illinois’s leading estate planning attorneys, said today.

For more information please visit https://www.heartlandlawfirm.com

If someone leaves a will, they name a personal representative or executor tasked with handling their estate through a process called probate. This administration involves settling outstanding debts and filing tax returns before concluding with any assets and belongings to be distributed to beneficiaries.

A personal representative may seek an estate planning or probate administration attorney to aid them through the legal journey. However, the Founder of The Heartland Law Firm in Glenview, IL, said that if someone dies without making a will – usually called intestate – then the rules of intestate succession will determine how the assets will be distributed.

He said: “A probate court will determine who will manage the probate administration and ultimately determine how assets will be distributed. The court’s decision may or may not be consistent with the decedent’s wishes regarding who should manage the probate process.”

Fogarty added that fees for probate attorneys and personal representatives will vary depending on the complications associated with an estate.

“However, these fees may increase substantially if a family member contests the will and challenges how the assets should be distributed.”

He highlighted: “If a family member contests even a small sized estate, your family could be looking at about $30,000 in probate fees, including attorney fees, court filing fees, and surety bond premiums before the estate is settled.’’

“That’s why a Trust is advisable, as the costs involved will be much less than a family fighting it out in court to control the estate assets. It has been estimated that probate can cost as much as ten times more than having a well-thought-out estate plan with a will.”

Fogarty concluded: “A properly funded Trust directs and gives the family a clear idea of how the estate should be distributed. Otherwise, probate costs can spiral and heighten stress and discord among family members who may well be more focused on fighting over the assets than grieving their loss.’’

“People thinking of estate planning should discuss their options and strategies that may help them avoid probate with a qualified estate planning attorney.”

Source: http://RecommendedExperts.biz

Contact Info:
Name: Martin J Fogarty
Email: Send Email
Organization: The Heartland Law Firm
Address: 1545 N Waukegan Rd Suite 2 9, Glenview, IL 60025, USA
Phone: (847) 652-9175
Website: https://www.heartlandlawfirm.com/

Release ID: 89152031

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